The Senate’s only outed libertarian,
David Leyonhjelm
, used his first parliamentary speech to declare his position on issues some politicians have spent their lives avoiding.

On abortion, euthanasia, gay ­marriage, gun ownership and legalising marijuana, it is a yes. But it is a no on compulsory voting and the death penalty.

“Liberty includes the right to make bad choices," he said.

Senator Leyonhjelm, the Liberal Democrat representative for NSW, was the first of 12 incoming senators to give a maiden speech. He is among the handful of crossbenchers who will play an pivotal role in the upper house over the next six years.

The former veterinarian, who prefers to describe himself as a “classical liberal" than a libertarian, said he wanted smaller government and lower taxes. He does believe in a role for the state in limiting “violence, threats, theft and fraud" – actions which impinge on the freedom of others.

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“Reducing taxes, any kind of taxes, will always have my support," he said. “And I will always oppose measures that restrict free markets and hobble entrepreneurs."

Senator Leyonhjelm revealed himself a supporter of states’ rights.

“While I sit in the federal parliament, I don’t approve of the extent of its power," he said.

“Liberty is more secure when power is shared with state governments, independently funded and competing with each other to be more attractive to Australians as places to live and do business, and of course each doing their bit to protect life, liberty and property."

He quoted extensively from the American Declaration of Independence and named the Scottish as the “modern world’s most liberty-affirming thinkers".

‘Scruffy humans’ have rights too

The senator is a former member of the Labor, Liberal, and Shooters and Fishers parties. But his most ­derisive views are likely to be saved for the far left.

He said Australians should be able to access commonly owned property such as national parks and fishing grounds. But they were “often locked out on the claim that nature is too important to let scruffy humans enjoy it".

“Whilst in this place I shall do all I can to oppose this trend," he said.

He thanked his wife of 30 years, Amanda, and friend Peter Whelan for their support.

“Environmental fanatics are not omniscient geniuses: they do not know enough to tell other people how to live their lives any more than I do," he said.

“Indeed, they are the same people who engage in anti-GMO pseudoscience, pseudoscience that is not just nonsense but murderous nonsense."

Senator Leyonheljm, who has already formed a voting bloc with Family First’s
Bob Day
, extended the hand of friendship to fellow senators.

“I am only one vote and one voice. I am also aware that some senators in this place share my views but are constrained from speaking openly," he said.

“Whatever party you are in, if you believe in making the pie bigger rather than arguing how it is cut up, we have plenty in common."